Eureka! I struck gold. I stopped in the liquor store to pick up a wine for dinner. Unfortunately I was in a rush and I usually like spend some time to browse; the kid in a candy store thing. I headed for the California Pinot Noirs to pair with the grilled salmon I had planned for dinner. As I drifted down the aisle I found myself in front of the California blends. Before I had the chance to step back to the Pinot Noirs, a wine and label new me was eye level and accented by one of those “why to drink me” tags hanging from the shelf edge. Impulse and intrigue won and I grabbed the California blend with the cool label and interesting name – Apothic Red.
Apothic Red Blend 2010
Haste, certainly was not a waste. Expecting it to be heavier, I did not have the wine with my salmon dinner as I opted for just water instead. I opened the bottle later in the evening. The aroma was powerfully pleasant. The taste was similar with heavy fruit flavors with hints of vanilla and mocha. The finish was excellent. The blend is primarily Zinfadel with Syrah, Cabernet, and Merlot. It seemed strong to me. Listed as 13.1% alcohol content the bottle was enjoyed over two nights.
According to the website, the name Apothic was inspired by “Apotheca,” a mysterious place where wine was blended and stored in 13th century Europe.
Combining the experience with the price (under $15), Apothic Red is now on my “go to” list and I expect will be on my table again very soon. ~ reviewed by Neil Parsons
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The Design Build Planners, brothers Jason Parsons and Neil Parsons, actually do have personal lives…sometimes. One of their hobbies is wine tasting (drinking!). They are amateur wine enthusiasts, that prefer red wine. While they have experienced and thoroughly enjoy expensive bottles, “value” is definitely a consideration in their evaluations. Regular guys like discovering a great, inexpensive find. Plus, the discovery “process” is very relaxing and fun!
This is horrible, disgusting and I threw 3/4 of it down the drain. Maybe if I were incarcerated I might drink it but I would hold my nose!!!
This is a excellent wine for anyone who dislikes the harsh sour brightness of cheap wines, and many inexpensive Italian wines at the LCBO.
It is smooth, rich and easy to drink. Over time, there have been several good inexpensive starters at the LCBO that, as popularity and volumes rose dramatically, they ran afoul. This is a Californian blend clearly currently under capable and responsible hands.
Get it now. I am told at the LCBO that this is perhaps their current best seller. I have no doubt. Let’s hope it remains excellent as its volume increases.